Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we can’t believe it’s already Back-to-School time. Although your vacation may be ending, we think getting ready for school is always an exciting time. There is new stationery, notepads, lunch boxes, and backpacks to choose from, and desks and study areas to organize. 

As far as we are concerned, nothing beats that “I’m ready for school” feeling, which is why we think building a back-to-school gift for young readers is the best way to set them up for success!

 

Why a Bookish Back-to-School Gift Beats School Supplies

School supplies are always a great idea, but a bookish back-to-school gift takes it to a whole new level. We love incorporating our love for books in everything we do, and when you have a bookworm in your life, bookish accessories rule!

The best part about giving a bookish back-to-school gift is that you can tailor it to their specific needs. We have the ultimate bookish products to bring back the fun and excitement! These gifts are also perfect if you want to encourage or inspire a love for reading. Because there really isn’t anything better than being curled up with a great book.

These tailored bookish gifts turn ordinary back-to-school moments into something exciting and fun. And let’s be honest, when something is fun, you just want to do it! Speaking of fun, let's kick off with our incredible journals and notebooks!

 

Reading Journals and Bookish Notebooks: The Perfect Back-to-School Gift

Reading journals are a wonderful way to encourage young readers to take some time out and think about the books they have read. You will be amazed at their insights. For younger readers, we have some wonderful notebooks that can easily be used to journal; you may need to provide them with prompts, and we think creating a prompt sheet is a great way to add a personal touch. 

Here are a few prompt ideas per age group!

Reading Journal Prompts

Ages 8–10

My Favorite Part: What was your favorite part of the story, and why did you like it so much?

A Character I Remember: Choose one character from the book and describe what they were like. 

If I Were in the Story: Imagine you were inside the book. What would you do? 

Ages 11–13

Character Choices: Choose one of the characters and describe one important choice they made. Do you think they made the right choice?

The Big Problem: What was the main problem in the story? How did the characters solve it, and would you have done it differently?

A Scene That Stuck With Me: Which scene do you remember most? Describe what happened and why it stood out to you.

Ages 14–16

Theme of the Book: What do you think the main message or theme of the book is? What examples from the story can you remember?

Character Growth: Choose one character who changes during the story. How were they different at the end compared to the beginning?

My Honest Response: Did this book make you think differently about anything? 

Our Once Upon a Book Club notebooks for tweens and young adults are custom-designed, made from vegan leather, and are inspired by our whimsical book boxes! Check out our stationery collection for other notebooks like the Detective Notebook, Good Vibes Only Notebook, and our Peter Pan & Wendy Journal!

For older readers, our Reading Journals are the perfect option! Each journal features a sewn-in ribbon bookmark in a coordinating color, matching floral endpapers, 75 unique book review pages, index pages to list which books they've reviewed, fun prompts to help them craft their review (including major characters, favorite quotes, a spice rating, etc), and space to be creative with drawings, stickers, or even display their OUABC Collectible stickers! Throw in a fountain pen, and they will feel like a very serious reader—because they are!

This reading journal is what every bookworm needs! You may just want to add one for yourself! Check out our blog on Why Reading Journals Are the Bookish Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed.

 

Back-to-School Bookmarks They Will Actually Use

Bookmarks are not voluntary; they’re compulsory! We have a fabulous selection of bookmarks, like our reading log bookmark sets, which are great for teens. It’s quick and simple; all they need to do is log the date they finished reading their book, followed by the title and their rating!

 We also have bookmark bundles, and you can choose between middle grade, young adult, and adult. With dozens of variations of bookmarks from our past boxes, you never know what you'll receive!

And if you’re feeling especially creative, you can always make your own! All you need is some craft paper and imagination. 

 

Pens, Pencils, and Writing Tools for Young Readers

We’ve never met a bookworm who doesn’t love stationery! You definitely need to add a selection of pens. We’re thinking Sharpies, Gel Pens, Colored Pens, or even a Colored Pencil Set. 

Stickers and stamps are also fun additions to any back-to-school gift. There are many sites and stores that offer fabulous collections of bookish stickers and stamps. All you need now is a cute pencil case!

 

Back-to-School Bookish Extras

It’s always those extras that capture our attention, and we have just what you’re looking for. 

Our fairy tale bookish phone case covers are wonderful for young readers! There are so many to choose from, like The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan (this will pair perfectly with the Peter Pan Notebook!), Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty! 

Our Children’s Classics also has some fabulous options like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit, Wind in the Willows and even The Jungle Book!

Who wants the cutest bookish lunch bag? It is custom-printed in bright lime green, featuring books and floral details. It contains two fully insulated, zippered compartments, two short handles, and a detachable long strap with adjustable length. Lunch and snacks sorted!

Now, for the pièce de résistance, what is a bookish back-to-school gift without a fabulous book? Our ready-to-ship tween and young adult book boxes are waiting for you! We also have book-only options like Lori R. Snyder’s The Circus at the End of the Sea or Ronald L. Smith's Gloom Town!

Bookish Back-to-School Gifts by Reader Age

It’s time to put it all together, and we’ve made sure to make it as easy as possible!

We think a wonderful way to pull it all together is to pack it all into a fun backpack or bag! Don’t forget to add some snacks; going back to school is hard work, and sustenance is definitely needed!

Adding a gift card is always fun, as it lets your young reader explore the wonderful world of bookishness! We have gift cards starting at $5! Our blog on How to Make a Bookish Gift Card Feel More Personal is definitely worth a read! 

Happy gifting from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club! If you enjoyed this blog, we think you will love our blog: DIY Summer Bookish Care Package for a Reader Friend Far Away.